20 February 2009
New Girl Scouts CyberBullying Prevention Partnership with Microsoft
Posted by admin under: Program Updates .
The CEO blog for the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania (why is everything happening in Pennsylvania today?) announces a new partnership between the Girl Scouts of the USA and Microsoft to combat cyberbullying.
GSUSA will be announcing our new online safety campaign with Microsoft. The name of this initiative is LMK (text-speak for “let me know”), and the program is designed to build girls as leaders in promoting online safety. Here’s are some answers to frequently asked questions:
What is LMK?
LMK (“let me know”) is an online safety campaign created in partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA and Microsoft. The campaign includes an interactive Web site for girls, as well as an e-newsletter and Web site for adults. Each month, an all-girl editorial board explores a different internet safety topic online and then shares what they learned in the e-newsletter, which is distributed to adults the following month.
What can girls expect to find on the girls’ Web site?
Girls can anticipate learning more about internet safety through a fun and interactive Web site which includes forums, video features, articles, quizzes, polls, games and a question & answer column from internet safety expert, Parry Aftab.
What about the adult components of the campaign?
The e-newsletter and adult site are designed to provide parents with timely guidance and also serve as a tool to help families have open and honest conversations about the dangers that lurk in cyberspace.
Why is LMK important?
With the escalating popularity, increasing access to the internet and online technologies, it is important for teens and parents to be aware of the dangers that exist in cyberspace. The LMK (“let me know”) campaign not only creates a space for internet safety experts and teen peer advisors, it also provides guidance about topics like cyberbullying and online sexual predators. The adult components of the campaign help teens to bridge the digital generation gap between themselves and their parents.
What is LMK teaching my kid that she doesn’t already know?
While many young people are aware of the issues of cyberbullying and online predators, not many people know how to keep themselves safe. The LMK campaign shows teenagers how to stay safe online by:
•Surprising girls with what they can learn about online safety;
•Inspiring girls to pass their learning on to their friends;
•Including their parents in a dialogue about online safety;
•Empowering girls to become thought leaders who advocate safe and responsible use of technology.
Why is the Girl Scouts partnering with Microsoft?
Girl Scouts of the USA is committed to helping today’s girls become tomorrow’s leaders. Thanks to the support of Microsoft, we are able to create a unique online learning experience for girls which furthers our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Do you have to be a Girl Scout or a parent of a Girl Scout to participate?
No. LMK (“let me know”) is open to everyone, Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts alike, as well as any adult who wants to learn about internet safety.
I think I’ve heard that Boy Scouts will also be making cyberbullying a facet of their education program so you can get a jump start on this if you go to the Girl Scouts site. I’ve already added it as a link on the right under “Resources” or just click here.
- Let Them Know Pix Trix
- LMK Gives Parents a Primer
- Vermont’s Parents Get Girl Scout Help
- Melanie Says 1,000 Days Until 100 Years
- WAGGGS Wants to Talk About Sex
2 Comments so far...
Michelle Says:
23 February 2009 at 2:14 pm.
The LMK website is really cool. Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council (SoCal) is also part of this partnership and we’ve received from great feedback from girls already.
Nick News to Feature Girl Scout Silver Award Project on Bullying | BoyandGirlScouts.com - News, Opinion, Advice Says:
20 May 2010 at 8:22 pm.
[...] worked on an anti-bullying campaign at their school for their silver award. This reminds me of the Girl Scout program launched in partnership with Microsoftfor online awareness for girls which included an anti-bullying aspect. The program Maddie Rayner and [...]
